Through the study of perinatal legislation in 24 European countries, the authors have analyzed Social Protection for pregnant women and young mothers. For maternity leave, the durations of pre- and post-natal leaves were compared, including its possible variations according to the obstetrical pathology and the number of births in different countries. Maternity benefits vary from 50 to 100% of the previous salary and a payment curve shows considerable differences in salaries or the global benefits attributed. Parental leave, which has only recently been created in some countries, is subject to great variations from one country to another and sometimes even within the same country, according to the public or private sectors of activity. Protection of the single parent and the benefits or allowances at birth are studied as well as benefits for infants. The latter were pioneered by France and have not been emulated in many other countries. In the discussion the authors try to establish the motivations leading to the various perinatal measures in Europe, be they social, medical or demographic. They consider the possibility of harmonization, but homogeneity, which has to respect existing sociological, cultural and ideological particularities. This work continues according to the guidelines laid down by the European Parliament, which could, in due course, comprise the whole continent, bearing in mind the probable transfer of populations expected in the last years of this century.